CA reminds consumers: compare prices for pharmaceutical drugs

Consumer Comments, Fall, 2004

With drug prices being a hot politicial issue, Consumer Alert reminded consumers in October to compare prices before buying prescription drugs.

The "Rx Challenge" survey, conducted in May 2003, was sponsored by three non-profit groups, ConsumerAlert, RetireSafe.org, and The National Grange.

The survey compared prices charged in the same towns by a sample of different pharmacies, ranging from independently owned businesses to large retail and discount chains. Two Internet providers were included in each survey as well.

The states surveyed included Virginia, Georgia, Iowa, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Wisconsin and PennsylvaniaColorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Results are posted at www.retiresafe.org/health_security/RxChallenge/RxChallenge2003_front.html

Of course, shopping for prescription drugs isn't the same as shopping for other consumer goods such as groceries. The higher price may be worth it in some instances. Pharmacies are not just drug dispensers. Convenience and the quality of advice offered by pharmacists are also factors.